Tutorial: Toilet Tube Pillow Box

Pillow boxes made from toilet paper roll tubes is an idea that's been floating around out there for a while (here, here and here), but it's such a good idea---so simple, so easy and so useful---that I'm revisiting it. 

How-to:

 #1: Flatten a toilet tube. I used a heavy book to press mine flat on the table top. It will still puff up a bit. That's o.k. Use a bone folder or the edge of a ruler to make the side folds crisp.

 

#2: Trace around the rim of a drinking glass (mine was 3.5"/8.5cm across) at each end of the tube. Use the point of bone folder (or the "eye" end of a heavy needle) rather than a pen or pencil.

#3: Trim on the line you traced in step #2.

#4: Create fold line on both ends by tracing around the rim of the glass as shown (again, use the tip of the bone folder, rather than a pen or pencil). Flip the tube over and do the other side.

#5: Fold in the ends. You can secure the ends with tape, glue or stickers.  Or you can use a string or ribbon tie.

PS: I took these plain boxes and painted them with a Native American inspired design. See them over at Nuno.